. >> translator: the economy and energy will be part of the focus of the election. our party will make a manifesto and convey our position to voters. i will explain it to the people after i dissolve the lower house on friday. >> the leadup to the decision played out on wednesday. the prime minister said he was ready to dissolve the lower house if the ldp committed to reducing the number of seats in the house by 234ex year. officials campaigning for the general elections starts on may 4. >> translator: lawmakers don't really care, but the people, the prime minister changes like a resolving door. it's better to give the younger generation a chance another leadership. >> prompted the prime minister to act? making te i . >> there's a big disparity in -- he had fwho executions left. but it took some time >> the lead-up to the decision played out in the diet. abe pointed out the prime minister promised in august to call a general election soon if the diet passed bills related to social security and tax reform. abe said the ldp kept its part of the deal and helped the bill